I Wonder Where That Fish Did Go?

One of the biggest fears associated with global warming is that, when those ice caps finally liquefy, much of the U.S. -- including Florida -- will be engulfed in the rising oceans. Yes, it’s going to be tough to get to work when personal bathysphere traffic clogs up the I-95 waterway, but just remember this: It won’t be the first time North America is underwater. As few as 82 million years ago the whole central United States was deep in the drink; ruled by a wide variety of prehistoric sea creatures, meaner and scarier than anything the Bible Belt has to offer today. With nigh unpronounceable names like Dolichorhynchops, Platecarpus, and the fearsome sounding Tylosaurus, these 20-foot-long creatures patrolled the waters, feasting off the prehistoric sharks, squid, and fish with their keen predatory instincts and razor-like teeth.

Eventually these vast seas dried up, leaving the fossilized remains of mammoth sea beasts to be discovered by modern day archeologists. And thanks to the wonders of paleontological study and 3D animation, that era in history has now been recreated for the big, big, big screen. The National Geographic IMAX film, Seamonsters: A Prehistoric Adventure, will delve into the lives of these all-powerful masters of the ocean and the technology that makes it possible beginning this Friday at the Museum of Discovery and Science (401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale). Tickets, including Museum entry, cost $15 for adults and $12 for children. Showtimes vary, so call 954-467-6637, or visit www.mods.org.
Oct. 5-Nov. 30, 2007